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No matter, whether you're in the lab or in the field, accuracy matters when weighing aggregates, feed, pharmaceutical powders or other materials.
You need accurate measurements to ensure you're meeting all of your demanding QC/QA needs, and finding the best solution for your needs can be difficult. How do you choose the right balance for your applications?
We've listed some considerations to consider when choosing a balance, as well as the high-performance features to be wary of evaluating your options. Our goal is to make your selection process easier!
The total load placed on the scale must be within the rated capacity of the device to produce an accurate weight. Don't forget the weight of the spoons or containers, although many electronic scales accept a tare weight regardless of the nominal capacity.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a balance that allows you to weigh the heaviest samples in the middle of their range. Applications that require improved readability at higher capacities also require more sophisticated load cells, which increases costs.
Some specifications require a specific unit of measurement, e.g. g. grams, pounds, ounces or grains. This is something to consider when choosing a
scale, especially if you are looking for mechanical devices.
Modern electronic models often offer a wide range of user-selectable units.
Some test methods specify a minimum readability for a scale. Readability is the smallest mass division that the scale displays. For example, a scale with 1-gram readability will display weights in whole grams, not in decimal places or fractions. The scale should at least be able to meet the minimum requirements, but be aware that being too readable can make your scale of choice unnecessarily expensive.
Today’s digital scales are remarkably robust and resistant to dust, moisture, shocks and other environmental conditions, but it’s important to consider how and where you will be using the scale. If accuracy is not critical, you may want to consider a mechanical scale. On the other hand, if you need highly specific measurements, a digital scale may be the right choice for you because you’ll yield more
precise readings. A digital scale also gives you more choices for weighing units, data handling and storage options.
The items or containers to be weighed must be complete of supported by the scale or platform.
Samples sticking or protruding off the platform can cause unstable readings or inaccurate results. It's important to choose a model that accounts for larger objects when needed.
When considering which features are most important to you, it helps to think about what your application requires, as well as its performance and portability requirements. This will help you narrow down the feature models for your purposes. We kept a few in mind:
Regular calibration ensures that the accuracy of the scale is permanently maintained. If you need to keep track of calibration, you will find this feature beneficial without the added expense and inconvenience of separate calibration masses. Traditionally, scales are checked for accuracy using a range of certified and traceable calibration weights, with the mechanism being adjusted where necessary.
Internal calibration is a function of scales Internal mechanism or Circuitry to load the scale with a prescribed weight to check and adjust the calibration.
Calibration checks and adjustments may be recorded in your quality control documentation.
This is particularly common when determining the density and specific gravity of samples. You can easily determine density in water or weigh samples by using a balance with a durable weigh-below hook.
Severe overloading of a scale can permanently damage the load cell or the weighing mechanism. You may want to protect your weighing system from overload damage. Scales with this feature provide an electronic limit. If the limit is exceeded, the scale displays an error message. Your electronic scale must have overload protection to protect the weighing circuitry.
If you need to use a scale in rugged conditions where water and dirt are present, it’s important to consider models with dust and moisture protection. This allows for a longer service life and some models are even wash-down rated and can be rinsed with a hose.
You may need to use your balance outside of the laboratory. Take it with you almost anywhere with a rechargeable or removable battery.
Sturdy tote bags are often available or included with select models.
Let’s you create tables, process reports, and turn calculations into graphs to display results.